eWYLIE May 23, 2007
Welcome to eWYLIE, the City of Wylie’s e-newsletter. Our goal is to provide you with the timeliest information about city programs, events and services.
City Offices to Be Closed on May 28, Trash Pick-Up Affected
The City of Wylie offices, except for emergency services, will be closed on Monday, May 28, in observation of Memorial Day. Trash and recycling pick-up for Monday, May 28, will not be provided. For the week of May 28 – June 1, trash and recycling pick-up will occur the day after the regularly scheduled pick-up day.
Goss and Spillyards Take Oath of Office
Councilmembers David Goss, Place 1, and Kathy Spillyards, Place 3, took their Oath of Office at the May 22 City Council meeting following the Official Canvass of the May 12 General Election. In other action, Council voted 6-0 to appoint Councilman Red Byboth, Place 2, as Mayor ProTem.
Free Summer Concert Series Schedule for 2007
The City of Wylie is proud to announce the Live in Wylie schedule for 2007. In its seventh year, Live in Wylie, which runs throughout June and July, is an evening of free family entertainment in one of the City’s parks. All citizens are encouraged to come to one or more of the concerts, bring a blanket and enjoy Live in Wylie. Concessions will be available. Per city ordinance, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the parks. Live in Wylie 2007 Schedule Thursday, June 7 Professor D Community Park, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Thursday, June 14 “Searching for a Star” Finals Community Park, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Thursday, June 21 Joey Love Community Park, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Saturday, June  30 Wylie Independence Day Celebration – “Family, Fun & Fireworks” Founders Park, 5:00 - 9:30 pm Musical Acts, Kid’s Area, 2^nd Annual Public Safety Expo and Fireworks Show Event begins with National Anthem and flag raising ceremony by Wylie Fire-Rescue Kylie Rae Harris Erika Jo Radney Foster Sponsored by Media Sponsor Friday, July 13 blacktopGYPSY July Jubilee Street Dance, Historic Downtown, 8 – 10 pm Friday, July 20 The Astronaut Farmer Community Park, 7:30 - 9:30 pm Friday, July 27 Beatlegras Community Park, 7:30 - 9:30 pm For cancellations due to inclement weather, call 972.442.8199. Live in Wylie 2007
John Duscio Named City’s First-Ever Assistant Chief of Police
Wylie City Manager Mindy Manson and Assistant City Manager/Chief of Police Jeff Butters are proud to announce that John Duscio, 46, has been selected to serve as the City’s first-ever Assistant Chief of Police and he will begin his tenure on June 4. Duscio has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement. To come to Wylie, he leaves his position as Police Captain with the McKinney Police Department, which he has held since 2004. As a McKinney Police Captain, Duscio spent tenures supervising Support Services, which included Records, Dispatch, School Resource Officers and Crime Prevention, as well as Patrol Division, which included all badge personnel and civilian workers assigned to this division. “I have known Assistant Chief John Duscio for 11 years and am very excited to have him join the Wylie Police Department,” Jeff Butters, Assistant City Manager and Police Chief, said. “Chief Duscio is a very experienced police professional who has succeeded in very difficult assignments and has always made things better wherever he has been.” As Assistant Chief of Police, Duscio will oversee the operations of the Police and Animal Control Departments. His responsibilities will include planning and directing the daily operations, managing the departmental budgets, establishing short and long-term departmental goals, evaluating public safety programs, implementing departmental policies and procedures, and directing departmental training. “I am really excited about this opportunity,” Duscio said. “I look forward to meeting everyone associated with the Department and serving the City of Wylie.” Duscio said. In 1996, Duscio joined the City of McKinney as a Police Officer after relocating to Texas from California, where he began his law enforcement career. In McKinney, he began as a Police Officer assigned to Patrol, School Resource Officer, Hostage Negotiations and Bike Patrol. He was then promoted to Sergeant assigned to Community Services with a brief assignment to Internal Affairs. Before serving as Captain, Duscio served as Lieutenant assigned to the Patrol Division. “I know that Officers, City Staff and citizens will quickly see the traits in Chief Duscio that led us to pursue him for the City of Wylie.” Butters said. “Chief Duscio has always excelled at building relationships and bringing people together for the common good, so I know that he will be an excellent fit for our City and our Police Department.”
Summer Reading Program Begins June 4
“Sail Away With Books” is this year’s Summer Reading Program at the Smith Public Library.  Registration begins on Monday, June 4. The programs features: · Kids Reading Club · Teen Reading Club · Adult Reading Club · Special Programs A special Kick-Off Celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 6, with facepainting, bounce house and more from 9 am until noon. Summer Reading Program 2007
Council Passes Sex Offenders’ Residency Regulation
On Tuesday, May 8, the Wylie City Council voted 5-0 to approve Ordinance No. 2007-13, which establishes a residency regulation for sex offenders. The ordinance makes it unlawful for each person required to register as a sex offender because of a violation involving a victim less than sixteen years of age to establish permanent or temporary residence within one thousand (1,000) feet of premises where children gather. “Premises where children gather” include parks, schools, child care centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, public swimming pools, apartment swimming pools, HOA swimming pools, commercial amusement centers designed or marketed for minors and public stadiums or playing fields. Sex offenders who already reside in Wylie are not required to meet the distance regulation established in this ordinance. However, if a sex offender currently residing in Wylie moves within the city, he or she will then be required to abide by the ordinance. The ordinance also requires that sex offenders shall not leave an exterior porch light on or otherwise invite trick-or-treaters to solicit the premises on October 30-31 between 4 – 11 pm. “The timing of this ordinance is important for Wylie as some registered sex offenders had begun avoiding cities that had already adopted similar ordinances,” Assistant City Manager and Police Chief Jeff Butters said. The Texas Attorney General has recently rendered an opinion upholding a city’s authority to pass such an ordinance.
Officials Begin Talks to Lighten Watering Restrictions
On May 17, City Manager Mindy Manson attended a meeting at North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) with other NTMWD member cities’ City Managers. At the meeting, there was discussion to lighten the current watering restrictions from once a week to twice a week. Any decision to modify watering restrictions will need to be made by the City Council. Drought - Water Restriction Information Water IQ - Know Your Water
Wylie Fire-Rescue to Revise Emergency Warning System Testing Schedule
After Saturday, June 16, Wylie Fire-Rescue will suspend its weekly Saturday testing schedule of its emergency sirens. Beginning Wednesday, July 4, the Wylie warning system will be tested in concert with other agencies throughout the Metroplex, which test their systems on the first Wednesday of each month at 1 pm. Each test will be a comprehensive test of any and all community warning/notification systems including: · Outdoor warning sirens; · Cable override systems; and · Future systems for resident notification of emergencies. Any tests listed above or scheduled for the future will be waived if threatening weather is in the area. The City of Wylie emergency siren warning system is designed to warn those who are outside, or who are in close proximity to a siren. Sirens may not always be audible inside homes, buildings with a high ambient noise level (such as offices or factories), or when you are sleeping. It is imperative that you remain aware of the potential for severe weather, especially during the spring and fall storm seasons. By remaining alert, you can anticipate severe weather, and possible watches or warnings. If the potential for severe weather exists, be prepared. Monitor your Weather Radio or a local radio/television station for updates or purchase or purchase a Weather Alert Radio Receivers. These receivers may be purchased from a variety of retail stores at a reasonable cost. These receivers sit silently until a warning is issued by the National Weather Service; at which time they give out a loud alarm sound, followed by the specific warning message. The Weather Alert Radios can easily be configured to warn the hearing and visually impaired. If the siren you hear is not a test, remain calm and go inside immediately; turn on your radio or television, or listen to your Weather Alert Radio. Note: In this area WBAP Radio, 820 AM, is the designated Emergency Alert System (EAS) station. Listen to the instructions and take necessary actions to protect yourself and your family and remain indoors until the emergency has ended unless told otherwise.
Animal Control Confirms Rabies Case Residents recommended to update pets’ vaccinations
On May 9, a skunk was identified running in a field off of Business Way, just north of FM 544, at 10:30 am. When Animal Control officers arrived, the skunk charged them. Officers were able to inject it with Fatal Plus, a commercial animal euthanasia agent. The skunk was sent for testing to the Texas Department of Health Rabies Specimen in Austin. The test results confirmed the skunk had rabies. Animal Control recommends that residents update their pets’ vaccinations. In addition, residents are encouraged to be watchful for any suspicious acting animals in their area. Animals that are high-risk for carrying rabies include skunks, raccoons and coyotes. Because these high-risk animals are nocturnal by nature, a danger sign of rabies can be if one of these animals is visible during the daytime, like in this latest case. If you see one of these animals within your neighborhood during daylight, secure your pet and contact Animal Control at 972.442.5268. If sighting occurs before 8 am or after 5 pm, please contact the Wylie Police non-emergency number at 972.442.8171. The next vaccination opportunity is the City of Wylie Low Cost Vaccination Clinic with Dr. William Wood, North Texas Mobile Veterinary Clinic, scheduled for Friday, June 1, from 4–7 pm at the Wylie Animal Control, 949-A Hensley. Rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats cost $11 for one year and $31 for three years.
Children’s Librarian Appointed to National Committee
Cristen Williams, the Smith Public Library Children’s Librarian, has been appointed to a two-year term on the American Library Association’s (ALA) Youth Participation Committee, which is a seven-member committee. “I feel honored to be chosen to serve on such an exciting committee,” Williams, who will represent the Smith Public Library at the Midwinter and Annual ALA conferences, said. The function statement of the ALA’s Youth Participation Committee is “to establish guidelines and/or procedures to involve young adults in the decision-making process which directly affects their access to information and library service at local, state, and national levels; and to provide continuing education and public professional awareness of youth participation.” Williams joined the Smith Public Library as Children’s Librarian in December 2005. During her tenure, she has initiated a number of programs for teens including a monthly program, the Teen Library Council and, most recently, an afterschool Teen Center. She also presents three story times a week for toddlers and preschool age children. In addition, her other duties include selection of Library materials for children and teens as well as community outreach.
Wylie Fire-Rescue Offers Free CPR Class
Wylie Fire-Rescue will offer a free CPR/First Aid class on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at American National Bank, 301 S Hwy 78, at 1 pm. To register for the American Heart Association – Heartsaver AED Adult and Pediatric course, please RSVP with name and phone number to 972.442.8110 or wfdadmin@wylietexas.gov. To attend the class, you must be a Wylie resident and will need to present your driver's license at time of check-in. There are a limited number of spaces available and registration will be accepted until the class is full. There is no charge for the class.
Registration Continues for Summer Recreation Programs
The City continues to accept registration for the following summer recreation programs: Skyhawks Sports Camps – These summer sports camps include soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football and cheerleading. The camps are offered for ages ranging from 3 to 14 and will run throughout June and July. All camps will take place at Community Park, 800 Thomas Street. Summer Tennis Program – The Summer Tennis Program includes various levels of instruction and league play for children, youth and adults. Wylie Flyers Track Club – Sponsored by the City of Wylie Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) Region 7 Summer Circuit Track Season, the Wylie Flyers Track Club enters its fifth year and welcomes athletes from ages 6 to 18. Beginning May 29, the Wylie Flyers track practice will take place at Shaffer Stadium at Burnett Junior High, 516 Hilltop. For registration details, please click on the program name for more information. Wylie Wave Update At this time, all ten weeks of Wylie Wave, the City’s summer day camp program, are full.  There are waiting lists available for each week, ranging from 40 to 70 children.
Wylie Police Participating in STEP Wave and “Click It or Ticket”
From May 21 through June 2, the City of Wylie Police Department (WPD) will continue its participation in the Texas Department of Transportation’s STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Wave program in which WPD received a $15,000 grant for the 2006-07 fiscal year. STEP Wave is a traffic safety campaign in which the grant will pay for off-duty officers to enforce traffic laws during traditionally high traffic periods. For their involvement, WPD will concentrate on speeding in high accident areas and driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses. During stage 1, from December 22, 2006 to January 2, 2007, Wylie Police Officers logged 98 enforcement hours and issues 168 speeding tickets with 2 DWIs. In addition, Wylie Police recently announced that they are joining with state and highway safety officials to launch an aggressive national “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement mobilization to crack down on low seat belt use and to reduce highway fatalities – with a new emphasis this year on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night. Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement mobilization, which runs May 21-June 3. More than 15,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 pm and 5:59 am during 2005, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – and 59 percent of those passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash.
Animal Control Provides Tips to Keep Pet Safe During Summer Months
As temperatures rise during the upcoming months, pet owners should take into consideration the safety of their pet. Wylie Animal Control offers the following pet safety tips for the summer months. 1. Do not leave your pet in a car! Even with the windows down or crack, the temperature in a car may reach 120 degrees in 10 minutes on an 85 degree day. 2. Make sure to provide adequate shade and water for outside pets. To provide extra shade, you may tie a tarp between trees or off the back porch. 3. Fill a kid’s swimming pool for your pet to cool off in. 4. Keep your pet in good physical condition and avoid heavy exercise in the hot weather. 5. Walk your pet early in the morning or late in the evening. 6. Play games indoors with your pet. 7. Get your pet shots to ensure they stay healthy. For more tips or to ask a question, please contact Animal Control at 972.442.5268 or animal@wylietexas.gov.
School Crossing Guards Needed
The City of Wylie has an immediate need for one assigned crossing guard and several fill-in, back-up crossing guards.  The fill-in positions are utilized to cover for assigned crossing guards who may call in sick or have scheduled vacation.  Without these key back-up crossing guards, our Patrol Officers are reassigned from their regular duties to fill-in.    General duties include assisting children in crossing roads to and from school, directing traffic as required and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.   Crossing guards generally work 2 to 2 ½ hours per day, depending on the assigned school, when school is in session.   The City and WISD provide vests, stop signs, rain gear, etc.   The starting rate is $10.03 per hour, with annual increases available per each year’s budget. Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, ability to interact with children, the general public and fellow employees in a tactful, courteous, considerate manner, the desire to provide superior service to our children and the ability to read and interpret regulations and department directives.  To apply, visit our website: www.wylietexas.gov/jobs or drop by City Hall to complete an application.  If you have questions, please contact our Human Resources office at 972.442.8147 or jobs@wylietexas.gov.
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